51吃瓜网

This blog post was originally sent as a letter to 51吃瓜网 Members on October 26, 2018.

In today鈥檚 world, each new day may bring an onslaught of information, images, data, and stories. While immigrant families with young children may cycle in and out of the front pages, the need for early childhood educators from all backgrounds to stand together to protect and support them continues to capture our time and attention.

As an active member of the听听campaign, we听continue to stand against family separation, and to听听which we believe would punish parents and harm children. With stories of two-year olds in court, and tent cities on the border, we remain deeply concerned about what has happened and what will happen to the hundreds of children still separated from their families, as well as what will happen to the families yet to be detained.

As a 51吃瓜网 member and an early childhood educator, we want to share with you some ways to stay informed and continue to advocate for immigrant families and children in your communities and beyond:

• WATCH听听from 51吃瓜网 and CLASP that outlines the roles and responsibilities early childhood educators have in working with immigrant families.
• WRITE comments in opposition to the public charge regulation.听听and, if you are ready, submit your comments today. You can also wait until we are able to share additional templates and language specific to early childhood education and educators. (Stay tuned, and check out this great听听for the early childhood community in the meantime!)
• SUPPORT听, which has partnered with the American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association鈥檚 (AILA) Immigration Justice Campaign, and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) to assist family reunification efforts.
• VOTE and pledge to vote by taking part in the 鈥溾�� campaign.

We know that you share our vision of a world in which all young children can thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. This world does not include incarcerating children, separating them from their families, or forcing families to stop accessing critical services and supports because they are afraid. As early childhood educators, we understand and uphold the bonds between children and their families, and, as advocates, we must speak up and speak out to defend those bonds.

As always, we ask you to recognize the power of your voice and your actions. We ask you to stay engaged and involved as we move forward together on this and the many other issues and opportunities facing our children, families, and educators鈥揻or we are with them, whether they are in the news today, or not.

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